The international break is coming to an end and Leeds United are just three days away from a tough test against Burnley on Friday night, but plenty have caught the eye over the last week.
Leeds have had plenty of players in action for their countries. Despite a firesale of some of the club’s best players, Daniel Farke’s promotion-chasing side now boasts more international players than last season.
The additions of Manor Solomon and Ao Tanaka has added two, while the return of Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober has increased that number. Karl Darlow is now a full Wales international after his debut.
Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Charlie Crew, Wilfried Gnonto, Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo, Mateo Joseph and even youngsters Jeremiah Mullen and Rory Mahady have all been in action over the last week and a bit.
Kerem Akturkoglu scores hat-trick for Turkey after Leeds links
But it is not just Leeds players catching the eye. Last night, 25-year-old winger Kerem Akturkoglu scored a superb hat-trick for Turkey as he continued his good form for club and country in a 3-1 win over Iceland.
His 24 goals and assists in 54 games last season caught the eye of Leeds last term. In January, Leeds were reported as being in ‘frequent’ talks for Akturkoglu but earlier this month, he joined Benfica for £10m.
Akturkoglu celebrated his move to Portugal this month with a hat-trick for Turkey on Monday night. It saw him instantly boost his tally of goals for Turkey by half, going from six to nine goals on his 36th cap.
Akturkoglu was strongly linked but surely, never a possibility
The reports from Turkey at the start of the year were regular as Leeds looked to bolster their side. But it was a disappointing window in which Leeds were only able to bring in Connor Roberts from Burnley.
Fast forward to this summer and given he only cost Benfica a fee of £10m, his name is likely to have arisen in talks over who to sign as replacements for the departing Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Instead, Leeds spent the same amount on Belgian ace Largie Ramazani from Almeria. Solomon has joined on loan and made an instant impact while the return of Aaronson softens the blow in Farke’s squad.
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